Definition: E-Rate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-rate
This Wikipedia entry provides a clear, comprehensive definition of
E-Rate, including what it is, how it came to be enacted, legal
challenges to the program, and how its success might be measured. See
the references listed at the end of the article for more information.
Highlights include:
“E-Rate is the commonly used name for the Schools and Libraries Program
of the Universal Service Fund, which is administered by the Universal
Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The program provides discounts
to assist most schools and libraries in the United States (and U.S.
territories) to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet
access. It is one of four support programs funded through a Universal
Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or
international telecommunications services.” “Discounts for support
depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the
population served and range from 20% to 90% of the costs of eligible
services.”
“The E-Rate, was authorized as part of the Telecommunications Act of
1996. Section 254 codified provisions for universal service, a
principle that broadly means everyone should have access to advanced
telecommunications services at reasonable rates regardless of their
location. Two measures were included to advance this goal specifically
for libraries and schools. Telecommunications providers were ordered to
supply their services to schools and libraries at discounted rates
determined by the FCC.”
Also see:
FCC E-Rate Education Page
www.fcc.gov/learnnet/ Universal Service Administrative Company
http://www.universalservice.org/sl/
